The two-session sale will be held in Fontaine’s gallery, located at 1485 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. Session one, beginning at 11 a.m. (EST), will feature 270 cataloged lots of rare and important clocks from several prominent collections. Session two, a discovery session, will have an additional 100 or so lots, also of vintage and antique clocks. It’s an all-clocks sale.

“Any serious collector will agree, having three E. Howard astronomical regulators in one sale is unusual judging by there rarity,” said John Fontaine of Fontaine’s Auction Gallery. “Add to that the two R. J. Horner grandfather clocks, plus a wide assortment of rare and beautiful other clocks, and you’ve got the makings of a significant clock auction. We encourage collectors to get here early and prepare to bid.”

The three Howards, though, are expected to headline the sale. Fontaine’s Auction Gallery is no stranger to E. Howard regulators. Last November, the firm sold an E. Howard & Company astronomical regulator No. 46 clock in fine condition, for a staggering (and record) $230,100.

The E. Howard No. 68 regulator will be joined by a No. 25 drum head regulator (est. $60,000-$80,000), a No. 74 astronomical regulator (est. $30,000-$40,000), and, for folks on an E. Howard budget, a No. 7 figure 8 regulator (est. $12,000-$15,000). But only the No. 68 should reach or exceed the $100,000 mark – unless, of course, bidding wars break out over the others.

The No. 68 is a floor-standing astronomical regulator, impressive at 105 inches tall and boasting excellent color and patina. The silvered 14-inch bronze dial is signed “E. Howard & Co., Boston, Mass.” Same with the quality brass eight-day, two-weight time-only astronomical movement. The large walnut case is nicely carved and the glass on the door and sides is original.

The E. Howard No. 25 drum head astronomical regulator is in excellent condition, with the original finish. The carved walnut No. 25 case, 75 inches tall, has a round “drum head” top. The 14-inch silvered bronze astronomical dial is E. Howard-signed, and the clock has a quality brass 90-day, weight-driven, time-only astronomical movement with deadbeat escapement.

The Howard No. 74 astronomical observatory regulator is 60 inches tall, with a case that has an iron back, cast in one piece, on which the movement bracket